The Rock of Tecuantet
In Nahuizalco, precisely at the town exit that connects with the route to Salcoatitán, there is a place called Teshical. Here, you can find a massive rock that catches everyone’s attention because the locals say that the stone eats humans! How is it possible? You might ask, well, the rock name Tecuantet means “to eat.”
Over the years, many people swear they have heard voices inside the rock that come from the devoured people. Almost everyone agrees the rock has a particular taste in children and affirms this is the main reason for their high index of missing children there.
Local authorities have tried multiple times to remove the rock from the place. However, the locals oppose it not because they like rock, but rather because of a deep and unfounded fear that if they do it, a supernatural punishment is going to happen. Plus, all elders think the rock has a protector.
Local authorities have tried multiple times to remove the rock from the place. However, the locals oppose it not because they like rock, but rather because of a deep and unfounded fear that if they do it, a supernatural punishment is going to happen. Plus, all elders think the rock has a protector.
Today, they perceive it as an altar, and their people twice a week place some flowers next to it. However, poor of you if you dare to touch and desecrate Tecuantet! The rock does not recognize what the meaning of a friend is. It easily gets angry, and a sad end would happen to the one who disrespected the rock of Tecuantet (figure 1).
The Indians retain a very curious tradition to keep the rock in peace that happens every Monday and Thursday throughout the year, and these days are considered the busiest days.
These days, men carry spears and a corvo (machete) and raise them while throwing a lot of screams that are ununderstood, but they are important while they place flowers. Later, they dance at the foot of a hill where all the participants arrive with their hands outstretched and their foreheads full of dust and pray ancient prayers for those brave warriors who saved many lives. Furthermore, some come to seek ancestral and miraculous herbs, those that remove any wicked spirit from the possessed people. Before the end, they place their last floral offerings and start the pilgrims to pray:
“Niantihuitzel, guantitehuicat ini mushúshit, palsintému mu cualan tipánut ganigán Mashi netzmuli, tecchin, ashcan niahuagan, tinaca guan Tutécu.”
The prayer translation is as follows:
“At this place, we come and bring these flowers; therefore, you calm your anger when we pass by here, do not scare me. Now, I’m leaving you, and you stay with God.”
In the end, everything is silent, just keep calm the rock of Tecuantet and minimize its insatiable hunger to devour humans. All these actions are a sign of adoration, as they believe is correct.
Inspired by El Salvador Región Magica’s version.
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